Highlights of Interim Railway Budget 2009-10

1.Indian Railways cash surplus at Rs 900 billion in the last 5 years. To use Rs 700 billion surplus to upgrade rail productivity
2. Railways raised USD 100 million debt at 4% p.a.
3. Average freight growth upto 8% in last 5 years
4. Financial turnaround without burden on public
5. Significant declined in number of rail accidents in last 5 years
6. Made rail ticket booking facility easier
7. Railways to invest Rs 2,300 billion in the 11th 5 year plan
8. Railways have invested Rs 367.73 billion during fiscal 2008-09
9. Railways mishaps stood at 194 in the year 2007-08 as against 325 in the fiscal 2004
10. It has plans to introduce new wagons with 22% higher load capacity. Wagon Output to be raised by 15,000 a year as against 6,600 a year now
11. Freight earnings climbed 19% till September 2008
12. Laid 1,100 kms of new railway lines in last 5 years
13. It has set up 4 call centers for enquiries
14. Fiscal 2010 freight revenue seen at Rs 590.60 billion
15. Work on Delhi-Mumbai corridor has been started
16. Fiscal 2008 fright traffic rose 9% at 794 MT
17. Fares on AC coach and mail express train reduced by 2%
18. Kolkata metro train expansion plan has been cleared
19. It plans to start 43 new trains in fiscal 2010
20. Operating ratio seen at 89% in FY10
21. To spend Rs 359 billion in FY10
22. Expects FY10 cash surplus at Rs 193.20 billion
23. Freight rate kept untouched
24. Coach volumes in 16 trains will be increased
25. Railways has plans to takeover Burn Standard Company
26. Railways expected to show a surplus of Rs 188.47 billion in the next fiscal
27. Due to implementation of the Sixth Pay Commission recommendations Railways are expected to incur an additional burden of Rs 90 billion on salaries and Rs 45 billion on pensions